v  'aw . 

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Christ  Among 
Men. 


JAMES  McCONAUGHY. 


CHRIST  AMONG  MEN 


A  STUDY 

OF  THE 

UNFOLDING  OF  HIS  CHARACTER  AND  MINISTRY 

IN 

PERSONAL  INTERCOURSE. 


ARRANGED  BY 

JAMES  MCCONAUGHY, 

Instructor  in  the  English  Bible  in  Mount  Hermon  School. 


New  YORK: 

The  International  Committee  of  Young  Men’s 
Christian  Associations. 

1892. 


COPYRIGHTED  1892 


BY 

THE  INTERNATIONAL  COMMITTEE  OF  YOUNG 
MEN’S  CHRISTIAN  ASSOCIATIONS. 


No.  313. 


Far  list  of  publications  in  the  “  College  Series,’ 
see  last  pages. 


Introduction. 


These  courses  of  study  have  been  pre¬ 
pared  for  use  in  Bible  Training  Classes. 
Such  classes  are  now  held  in  Young  Men’s 
and  Young  Women’s  Christian  Associa¬ 
tions,  in  Young  People’s  Societies  of  Chris¬ 
tian  Endeavor,  and  in  city  missions.  They 
will  prove  helpful  in  all  lines  of  Christian 
work  where  the  central  aim  is  to  bring  the 
unsaved  to  Christ. 

A  full  discussion  of  the  methods  to  be 
followed  with  a  course  of  study  which 
naturally  precedes  and  lays  the  founda¬ 
tion  for  these  courses  will  be  found  in 
“  Personal  Work,  How  Organized  and  Ac¬ 
complished,”  by  C.  K.  Ober  and  J.  R. 
Mott  (revised  edition),  which  should  be  in 
the  hands  of  all  who  follow  the  studies 
herein  given. 

The  [series  of  lessons  is  divided  into 
three  courses  of  ten  lessons  each.  Any 
one  of  the  three  is  sufficiently  independent 
to  be  studied  alone,  where  the  full  course 


4 


does  not  seem  practicable.  A  break  be¬ 
tween  courses  —  at  the  holidays,  for  exam¬ 
ple  —  is  often  of  advantage  in  rallying  the 
forces  and  introducing  new  students  into 
the  classes.  In  college  Associations,  a 
course  of  ten  lessons  is  well  adapted  to 
each  college  term. 

Helps  on  the  life  of  Christ  are  so  numer¬ 
ous  that  there  is  great  danger  of  letting 
them  do  all  the  student’s  thinking  for 
him.  Andrews’  “  Life  of  Christ  ”  (Scrib¬ 
ner’s),  Broadus’  “Jesus  of  Nazareth  ”  (Arm¬ 
strong),  Stalker’s  “Life  of  Christ”  (Revell), 
and  Stalker’s  “Imago  Christi”  (American 
Tract  Society),  are  especially  desirable  if 
used  judiciously. 

When  you  come  to  the  study,  immerse 
yourself  in  the  Gospels  ;  use  the  best  trans¬ 
lation,  the  Revised  Version  ;  compare  the 
parallel  accounts,  for  which  you  will  find 
of  special  value  a  consecutive  arrangement 
like  that  of  “The  Interwoven  Gospels” 
(John  B.  Alden,  new  edition,  $1.00).  Prayer¬ 
fully  try  to  put  yourself  in  Christ’s  place, 
think  His  thoughts,  speak  His  words,  and 
you  will  find  yourself  living  His  life,  and 
doing  His  work. 


CHRIST  AMONG  MEN. 


COURSE  A. 

I.  The  Period  of  Preparation. 

Lesson  i.  With  His  family. 

[In  a  mechanic’s  home.] 

Relationship  with  God  above  all 
human  ties. 


Luke  2  :  40-52. 

Preparing  for  the  broader  sphere  by 
the  way  in  which  He  filled  the  narrow 
one. 

John  2  :  1-12. 

Mark  3  :  21,  22,  31-35. 

John  19  :  26,  27. 

Kinship  in  faith  and  in  obedience 
the  strongest  of  ties. 

John  7  :  1-10. 

1.  Cor.  15  :  7. 

James  1  :  1  ;  5  :  19,  20. 

Jude  1,  2,  24. 

Winning  His  unbelieving  brethren. 


6 


II.  The  Period  of  Introduction. 


Lesson  2. 

i  '  *  i  '  '  • ,  .  :  '  .  ; 


;  L  J  * 


IF////  workingmen  eager  for  a 
new  era . 

[At  an  out-door  meeting.] 


Personal  acquaintance  leads  to 
discipleship. 


John  1  :  29-51. 

The  kind  of  men  Christ  enlists.  Ont 
their  level  He  wins  their  confidence, 
showing  them  themselves  and  Him¬ 
self. 


LkssON  3.  With  one  who  recognized  His 
‘  authority ,  but  stumbled  at  His 

teaching. 

[In  a  house  at  the  Capital.] 

A  spiritual  birth  into  a  spiritual 
kingdom. 

John  3  :  1-15. 

Fundamental  truth  declared,  reiter¬ 
ated,  illustrated,  applied. 

Lesson  4.  With  a  woman  of  alien  race , 
prejudiced  mind,  and  bad  rep¬ 
utation . 


[At  a  well-side.] 


7 


God  seeks  true  worshippers. 

John  4  :  1-42. 

Easy  converse  on  new  and  highest 
themes.  Sin  delicately  laid  bare. 
Discussion  avoided.  The  Messiah 
revealed. 


Lesson  5.  With  the  despised  and  outcast. 

[On  the  road  and  at  a  feast.] 

Personal  contact  between  physi¬ 
cian  and  patient. 

Mark  1  :  40-45  ;  2  :  13-17. 

The  spirit  of  sympathy.  The  word 
of  command.  The  touch  of  restora¬ 
tion. 


8 


III.  The  Period  of  Widening  Influ¬ 
ence. 

Lesson  6.  With  men  zealous  of  the  forms 
of  religion ,  but  possessing  none 
of  its  spirit. 

[In  the  fields  and  at  church.] 

“The  letter  killeth,  but  the  spirit 
giveth  life.” 

,l  Mark  2  :  23  -  3  :  6. 

Fellowship  with  the  hungry  and 
the  helpless.  God’s  purpose  in  forms 
and  observances.  Professing  lips,  yet 
hardening  hearts. 

Lesson  7.  With  a  disheartened  witness  seek¬ 
ing  the  removal  of  his  doubts. 

[On  a  journey.] 

Fuller  knowledge  of  Jesus  brings 
peace  to  mind  and  heart. 

.  Luke  7  18-35. 

Bringing  doubts  to  the  one  who  can 
banish  them.  Abundant  evidence  for 
the  sincere  enquirer.  The  unreason¬ 
ableness  of  men  with  perverted  hearts. 
The  blessedness  of  even  the  humblest 
in  His  kingdom. 


9 


Lesson  8.  With  represe?itatives  of  opposite 
social  classes. 

[At  a  feast.] 

Christ  reads  hearts  and  forgives 
sins. 

Luke  7  :  36-50. 

Attracting  one  whom  men  disdained. 
A  delicate  but  searching  rebuke  for 
the  self-righteous  caviler.  Confession, 
forgiveness,  love,  peace. 


Lesson  9.  With  men  who  ascribe  the  effects 
of  Christianity  to  unfit  causes. 

[In  a  crowded  house.] 

Blasphemy  against  the  Holy  Spirit 
the  one  eternal  sin. 


Matt.  12  :  22-37. 

A  time  for  plain  speaking.  False 
charges  of  bitter  opponents.  Words 
the  exponents  of  the  heart.  Either 
for  or  against. 

Matt.  10:  24-33. 

His  followers  must  confess  Him 
boldly. 


IO 


Lesson  io.  With  men  who  are  seeking  the 
loaves  and  fishes. 

[In  a  city  church.] 

“The  true  bread  out  of  heaven.” 

John  6  :  22-71. 

The  question  of  the  ages  (vs.  28, 
42,  52).  What  men  need  and  how  to 
get  it.  Welcomed  and  guarded  unto 
eternal  life.  Appropriating  Christ  and 
living  forever. 

Review.  Characteristics  of  the  first  three 
periods. 

Supreme  truths  proclaimed  at  the 
outset  to  single  individuals. 

Different  effects  of  His  teaching,  and 
causes  thereof. 


COURSE  B. 


IV.  The  Period  of  Misunderstanding 
and  Opposition. 

Lesson  i.  With  one  who  follows  Him,  yet 
misconceives  His  mission. 

[At  a  place  of  prayer.] 

The  way  of  the  Cross  the  only 
path  to  glory. 

Matt.  1 6  :  13-20. 

Men’s  views  and  God’s. 

Confession  followed  by  usefulness. 

Mark  8  :  31-38. 

Life-plans  viewed  from  Christ’s 
standpoint. 

Lesson  2.  With  a  follower  who  shows  an 
intolerant  spirit. 

[At  a  conference  of  workers.] 
Fellowship  in  Christ’s  service. 

Mark  9  :  38-50. 

Success  in  casting  out  devils  a  good 
evidence  of  discipleship.  Fight  en¬ 
emies,  not  allies.  Preserve  the  savour 
of  Christ. 


I  2 


Lesson  3.  With  men  of  divided  heart. 

[On  the  road  to  sacrifice.] 

Leave  all  to  follow  Christ. 

Luke  9  :  57-62. 

Count  the  cost.  Put  your  heart  in 
His  work.  Proclaim  and  inherit  the 
kingdom. 

Lesson  4.  With  men  too  wise  in  their  oivn 
conceit  to  learn  anything. 

[At  a  place  of  teaching.] 

Doing  Plis  will  illuminates  His 
teaching. 

John  7  :  1 1-52. 

Prejudiced  leaders  ;  perplexed  peo¬ 
ple.  Living  water  for  a  thirsty  world. 

Lesson  5.  With  one  who  has  learned  but 
little ,  yet  knows  that  little 
well. 

[On  a  city  street.] 
Jesus  opens  blind  eyes. 

John  9  :  1 -41. 

Men  speculate  as  to  the  cause. 
Christ  removes  both  cause  and  ef¬ 
fect.  Obedience  required ;  courag¬ 
eous  confession  rewarded ;  knowledge 
increased. 


13 


Lesson  6.  With  one  who  tries  to  make  use 
oj  Him  for  selfish  ends. 

[In  a  crowd.] 

Heaven  the  place  for  treasure- 
storing. 

Luke  1 2  ;  13-34. 

The  folly  of  worldly  calculations. 
The  peril  of  covetousness.  The  com¬ 
fort  of  trusting  God. 


& 


i4 


V.  The  Period  of  Intenser  Life. 

Lesson  7.  With  one  who  treats  salvation 
as  a  subject  of  speculation. 

[On  the  road  again.] 

Neglected  opportunities  will  be¬ 
come  bitter  memories. 

Luke  13  :  23-30. 

A  personal  answer  to  a  general 
question.  Religious  privileges  in¬ 
crease  condemnation.  Enter  while 
the  door  is  open. 

Lesson  8.  With  dearest  friends  under  the 
shadow  of  mysterious  afflic¬ 
tion. 

[In  the  home  He  loved  best  on  earth.] 

No  real  death  for  believers  in 
Jesus. 

John  11  :  1-46. 

The  smiling  face  behind  the  frown¬ 
ing  Providence.  The  glory  of  God 
seen  by  believing  ones.  The  voice 
that  rules  the  spirit  world. 

Lesson  9.  With  a  young  man  of  narrow 
and  selfish  views. 

[On  a  highway.] 

The  danger  of  loving  this  world 
too  well. 


*5 


Mark  io  :  17-31. 

The  eager  approach.  Having  what 
the  world  covets,  yet  unsatisfied.  The 
test  of  discipleship. 

Lesson  io.  With  an  older  man  made  rich 

by  unworthy  means. 

[In  a  crowd  of  travellers.] 

Christ  asks  immediate  admittance 
to  heart  and  home. 

Luke  19  :  1-10. 

The  Saviour  seeks  the  lost ;  receives 
a  public  and  joyful  welcome.  When 
Christ  enters  unworthy  loves  depart. 
The  true  son  of  Abraham. 

Review.  To  what  extent  will  the  life  and 
work  of  every  true  Christian  show  the 
characteristics  of  Christ’s  career  dur¬ 
ing  these  two  periods  ? 

What  is  the  central  thought  in 
Christ’s  mind  here  ? 

What  are  the  great  lessons  He 
teaches  in  the  inner  circle  of  His 
friends  ? 


In  the  outer  circle  of  listeners  ? 


COURSE  C. 


VI.  The  Days  of  Culmination. 

Lesson  i  .  With  men  on  the  lookout  for 
some  new  se?isatio?i. 

[At  a  religious  festival.] 

Salvation  for  all  men  through  a 
crucified  and  glorified  Saviour. 

John  12  :  20-36. 

The  desire  of  the  foreigners.  The 
judgment  of  this  world.  The  rule  for 
fruit-bearing. 

Lesson  2.  With  men  convinced  of  the  truth, 
but  not  willing  to  co?ifcss  it. 

[Among  friends  and  foes.] 

Judged  by  our  treatment  of  God’s 
message. 

John  12  :  36-50. 

Caring  more  for  men’s  opinions  than 
God’s.  Life  for  those  who  obey  the 
command.  Condemnation  for  those 
who  reject. 


l7 


Lesson  3.  With  men  who  traffic  iti  religion. 

[In  the  temple,] 

Who  have  a  right  in  God’s  church  ? 

Matt.  2 1  :  12-17. 

See  also  John  2  :  13-25. 

Zeal  for  God  excludes  fear  of  men. 
Majesty  and  gentleness  in  union.  Per¬ 
fected  praise. 


Lesson  4.  With  men  who  try  to  entrap 

Him  with  hard  questions. 

% 

[On  the  witness  stand.] 
Christ  is  Lord  of  all. 

Matt.  22  :  15-46. 

The  plot  and  its  emissaries.  Duties 
to  God  and  man.  The  causes  of  error. 
The  supreme  question. 


Lesson  5.  With  true  followers  of  Christ 
who  show  a  false  spirit 

[In  the  upper  room,] 


The  true  Christian  his  brother’s 
servant. 


i8 


Luke  22  :  24-30. 

John  13  :  1-17. 

Jarring  notes  on  the  saddest  of 
nights.  The  gentleness  of  love’s  re¬ 
buke.  The  remedy  for  earth-stains. 
The  Master’s  example. 

Lesson  6.  With  the  self-confident  Christian 
worker. 

[At  the  supper  table.] 

Watchfulness  and  prayer  for  the 
tempted. 

John  13  :  36-38. 

Luke  22  :  31-34. 

Matt.  26  :  36-41. 

Luke  22  :  54-62. 

Satan’s  hour  of  opportunity.  Warn¬ 
ing  and  promise.  The  way  to  over¬ 
come.  The  way  to  fail. 


Lesson  7.  With  a  public  man  who  would 
do  right  if  it  did  not  cost  so 
much. 

[In  the  court  room.] 


Individual  responsibility. 


x9 


John  18  :  28-38. 

Luke  23  :  4-22. 

John  19  :  4-13. 

Matt.  27  :  24-26. 

The  witness  to  the  truth.  From  in¬ 
difference  to  interest.  Efforts  to  shift 
responsibility.  Knowing  the  right,  yet 
doing  the  wrong.  The  stain  that  water 
could  not  remove. 


20 


VII.  After  the  Resurrection. 

Lesson  8.  With  disheartened  and  befogged 
followers. 

[Along  a  footpath.] 
The  cure  for  sad  hearts. 

Luke  24  :  14-35. 

Talking  of  Jesus  brings  Him  near. 
He  enlightens  their  ignorance.  He 
removes  their  perplexity.  He  warms 
their  hearts.  He  makes  them  wit¬ 
nesses  of  His  resurrection. 

Lesson  9.  With  one  who  required  convin¬ 
cing  evidence. 

[In  a  private  room.] 

Peace  through  believing. 

John  20  :  24-29. 

See  also  John  14:  5-7. 

Patience  with  honest  doubt.  Evi¬ 
dences  ample  and  specific.  The  gentle 
rebuke ;  the  promise  of  blessing. 

Lesson  10.  With  one  who  had  been  worsted 

by  Satan. 

[On  the  lake  shore.] 
Love  the  true  motive  for  service. 


2  I 


John  21  :  1-19. 

Loving  attentions  for  the  cold  and 
hungry.  The  question  that  probes 
the  heart.  The  lesson  learned  by  ex¬ 
perience.  Following  in  the  Master's 
steps. 

Review.  The  reiteration  in  His  teaching 
of  truths  already  presented  to  the 
Jerusalem  audience. 

Thoughtfulness  for  His  followers  in 
hours  of  His  own  greatest  need. 

Perpetuating  and  multiplying  His 
influence  through  others. 


Cottecre  5erieS. 


301.  College  Association  Record  Blanks.  Prepared  by 

Clarence  H.  Lee.  A  full  set  of  blanks  for  regular 
Committees,  and  for  complete  summary  by  Recording 
Secretary.  Printed  on  heavy  paper  and  perforated 
ready  for  Binder,  with  specially  made  Binder  for  pres¬ 
ervation  and  reference.  Price  complete,  $1.50.  The 
Binder  will  last  for  years,  and  purchasers  will  be  sup¬ 
plied  with  blanks  for  later  years  at  $1.00  per  set. 

302.  College  Association  Buildings.  Containing  pictures 

of  nine  buildings  and  plans  of  three,  also  testimonies 
regarding  the  value  of  such  buildings.  John  R.  Mott. 
Price  fifteen  cents. 

303.  How  to  secure  a  College  Association  Building. 

Second  edition.  John  R.  Mott.  Price  five  cents. 

304.  How  can  the  College  Association  awaken  and 

maintain  interest  in  Bible  Study?  John  R.  Mott. 
Price  five  cents. 

305.  The  Fall  Campaign,  or  how  to  reach  New  Stu¬ 

dents.  John  R.  Mott.  Price  five  cents. 

306.  The  claims  of  the  General  Secretaryship  on  Men 

ok  education  and  ability.  John  R.  Mott.  Price 
five  cents. 

307.  Personal  Work,  how  organized  and  accomplished: 

Studies  for  Bible  training  classes.  Carefully 
revised  and  enlarged.  C.  K.  Ober  and  John  R.  Mott. 
Price  ten  cents. 

308.  The  Study  of  the  English  Bible  in  College. 

Prof.  George  S.  Burroughs,  Ph.  D.  Price  five  cents. 

309  Constitution  of  the  College  Association.  (Re¬ 
vised  1891.)  Price  five  cents. 


24 


310.  Christ  as  a  Personal  Worker  ;  Topics  and  Meth¬ 

ods  for  Workers’  Bible  Training  Classes.  Sug¬ 
gested  by  L.  Wilbur  Messer.  Price  five  cents. 

31 1.  Studies  in  the  Gospel  of  Luke.  Robert  E.  Speer. 

Price,  paper,  ten  cents  ;  cloth,  twenty  cents. 

312.  Studies  in  the  Book  of  Acts.  Robert  E.  Speer. 

Price,  paper,  twenty-five  cents;  cloth,  forty  cents. 

313.  Christ  Among  Men.  Studies  for  Workers’  Bible 

Training  Classes.  James  McConaughv.  Price, 
five  cents. 


In  quantities  0/  one  dozen  or  more ,  No.  302  is  sold  at 
$ 1.23  per  dozen  ;  in  quantities  of  fifty  or  more  at  $7.30  per 
hundred.  No.  307,  one  dozen  or  more ,  $1.00  Per  dozen;  fifty 
or  more,  $ 8.00  per  hundred.  No.  311,  one  dozen  or  more , 
paper,  $1.00  per  dozen,  cloth,  $ 2.00  per  dozen ;  fifty  or  more, 
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per  dozen  ;  fifty  or  more,  paper,  $ 20.00  per  hundred,  cloth, 
$33-00  per  hundred.  In  same  quantities,  Nos.  303  to  3/0  (ex¬ 
cept  307),  and  313 ,  are  sold  at  30  cents  per  dozen,  or  $4.00 
per  hundred.  International  Committee  of  Young  Men's 
Christian  Associations,  40  East  23d  Street,  New  York. 


Published  by 

The  International  Committee  of 
Young  Men’s  Christian 
Associations, 

40  East  Twenty-third  Street, 
New  York  City. 

1892. 


